WNY departments invited to training on Sept. 24
Congressman Brian Higgins invites local firefighters to an upcoming Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program workshop.
"This workshop will give local firefighters the tools to put together competitive applications that give departments the best opportunity to bring federal resources home," he said.
The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the Erie County Division of Fire Safety Training & Operations Center, 3359 Broadway, Cheektowaga.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "The information firefighters will learn at this workshop helps them to better understand what funders are looking for and will help fire departments to put their best foot forward when applying for federal funds. This is a great way to learn effective ways of seeking federal funds to improve operations and I encourage firefighters to attend. "
A Department of Homeland Security regional fire program specialist will be on hand to provide information about the AFG program. The workshop will help potential applicants understand the purpose of AFG, funding priorities for the upcoming year, the evaluation process, and provide a brief description of other AFG funding opportunities.
The AFG program provides competitive grants to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the U.S. All applications are submitted to DHS and go through a nonpartisan, merit-based review ranked by factors established by a panel of fire service professionals.
For more information on the fire grant program, visit the federal fire grant website at:
https://www.fema.gov/firegrants. Contact Higgins' office at 716-852-3501 for more information.
